According to Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), Minnesota has the lowest average Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Scores of all states that energy tested more than 4,000 homes in 2024. The lower the HERS Index Score, the more energy-efficient the home is.
According to RESNET, Minnesota tested 8,881 homes in 2024, and the state’s average HERS Index Score was 47. The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index, while a standard new home is awarded a rating of 100.
Housing First Minnesota’s Green Path program has provided Home Performance Reports (HPRs) and HERS index scores for more than 49,000 homes that have been third-party tested since the program began. The state’s average HERS score of 47 means that the average Minnesota Green Path energy-tested home is 53% more energy efficient than a HERS Reference Home and 64% more energy efficient than the average existing home.
Many builders across the state consistently choose to go above and beyond the code to provide additional energy-efficient benefits to their homebuyers, thanks to Minnesota’s Green Path program.
“Energy efficiency continues to be top of mind for many homebuyers in Minnesota, and the homebuilding industry has once again delivered nation-leading results,” said James Vagle. “Minnesota Green Path and the HERS Index Scores allow homebuyers to have confidence in the energy efficiency of their homes.”
Minnesota’s Green Path currently has 58 builders committed as Designated Green Path Builders. Designated Green Path builders commit to testing at least 75% of their newly built homes annually and attend professional development events throughout the year.
During the 2025 Spring Parade of Homes, 41 homes achieved Green Path Advanced Certification, and one home reached Green Path Master Certification.
